What teens don’t know may hurt them

Many students still have misconceptions on issues of sex, health department says

A recent survey of local ninth graders indicates many teens here are still in the dark when it comes to issues related to teen sexuality.

And that ignorance can lead to behavior that threatens health and risks unintended pregnancy, according to officials with the Western Racine County Health Department.

“We need to send a clear message to young people that when engaging in sexual activity there really is a significant risk of pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs),” said Health Officer Cheryl Mazmanian.

Data compiled by the department shows, among western Racine County ninth graders, 63 percent were misinformed about condom use and effectiveness; 14 percent thought that withdrawal was a surefire way to prevent pregnancy and nearly 20 percent thought it was impossible for a girl to get pregnant if she was to have sex during her period.

“This data shows the need for updated sexual health education,” Mazmanian said.  According to a press release issued by the department, Racine County as a whole continues to have the fourth highest teen pregnancy rate in the state and the third highest STD rate. Sexually transmitted diseases are widespread throughout the county; chlamydia and gonorrhea are increasingly common in young people.

Teenagers have developed a number of myths and misunderstandings around the idea of contraception and often hear that contraceptives do not work, or are not readily available to teens, according to the release.

Health Department data shows more than half of ninth -grade students did not know they had access to the birth control pill without parent permission and 20 percent were misinformed on how the birth control pill works.

“Teens need to hear up-to-date, scientifically accurate data,” Mazmanian said.  “We are working with schools to improve education, and we are working with parents and the community to create a more open discussion on safe and healthy relationships.”

The health department’s data was gathered from 519 ninth graders from western Racine County public high schools. The data was collected from a pre- and post-test on methods of protection administered by the department’s public health educator.

Through a United Way grant, the Western Racine County Health Department offers a free evidence-based program, to all public schools in western Racine County.  The program is based on curricula proven effective at delaying teen sexual activity and increasing teen sexual knowledge, according to the department.

Many adults fear talking about protection will encourage premature sexual activity, according to health officials. Studies show that 90 percent of teens said it would have been easier to postpone sexual activity if they were able to have more open, honest conversations with their parents. Parents have a very important influence on whether their teenagers become pregnant or cause a pregnancy.

The local Health Department released its study information May 2 to coincide with the National Day to Prevent Teen Pregnancy. The department is also hosting a free program for parents to gain information on how to discuss sexual health topics with their children (see separate story).

Program helps parents deal with teen issues

The Western Racine County Health Department is offering a free program – “Parents, Speak Up!” – on Tuesday, May 8, for parents to gain information on how to discuss healthy relationships with their teens.

The program, from 6-7 p.m., will be held at the department’s office, 156 E. State St., Burlington.

Parents will receive tips on how to start conversations about abstinence, safe sex, and good decision-making.

To reserve a spot in “Parents, Speak Up!” contact Megan Hoklas, public health educator, at (262) 763-4939.

In addition to the workshop for parents, teens are invited to celebrate the National Day to Prevent Teen Pregnancy by visiting StayTeen.org to participate in a number of online activities.